BALANGA CITY (PIA) -- A total of 492 individuals in Bataan completed the Government Internship Program (GIP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

During the commencement ceremony held at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga City, DOLE Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio highlighted the GIP as an opportunity for the interns to showcase their skills in public service.

“Enjoy the journey. This is a step for you toward the attainment of your dreams,” she said.

Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III underscored the program's importance in providing opportunities for young workers to serve the public in government projects and programs.

He also reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to collaborating with DOLE to increase GIP beneficiaries in the province.
 

Furthermore, out of the total graduates, 39 were recognized for being absorbed and re-hired by the local government units (LGUs) they served, with 13 interns awarded as Best GIPs for their outstanding performance in various LGUs.

Hazel Lyn Manalo, one of the GIP graduates assigned for three months at Orion LGU, expressed gratitude for the opportunity extended to them.

“Salamat sa DOLE sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa na nakakatulong sa mga kabataang kagaya namin sa pag-abot ng aming mga pangarap. (Thank you to DOLE for implementing programs that help young people like us in reaching our dreams),” she said.

As part of the agency’s commitment to capacitate the graduate-interns who are to-be part of the workforce, a learning session on Labor Relations and Labor Standards was conducted by DOLE Labor Inspector Denice Emata. (CLJD/RPQ-PIA 3)